Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I've been doing the same Brownie, as well as looking at worst outcomes, not to be negative but just because I think if I'm prepared then hopefully nothing can catch me out. I'm planning on going rug shopping on the day of her op to keep me busy which is now going to be Friday. I spoke with the head vet of the practice today just with some other questions I'd got and she said she'd prefer to do the surgery herself so I feel better I think for that.
I'm sure the lump on her shoulder has got bigger since I first noticed it on Friday, its scary how quickly it's come up and I hate that I can see it, it's just a constant reminder. I'll be glad in a way once the surgery is done that I won't have to see that lump anymore and know what it's doing to my beautiful girl.
Thank you so much for sharing your story Amy, it's really helpful to hear about your boy and how well he's doing after the op. I hope it continues and you get a lot more time with him. It's good to know that even this early on you have no regrets.
New plan. Sending good thoughts for Friday. Just remember every dog is different. I don't know why Brownie did so well without chemo. One reason I decided against it was because Brownie has anxiety attacks when I leave him anywhere. The day of his surgery they medicated him right away to keep him from freaking out. So when the vets told me his cancer was extremely aggressive and 3 months without chemo or maybe 10 with I decided against it and told Brownie we will make it the best three months of your life. I did not want to stress him out if he only had a short time left. He even had a bucket list. Well I guess all the vets Brownie saw did not realize just how stubbrand he is. It will be 11 months in four days. Now dont get me wrong, i am all for chemo, i just think it depends on the dog. I had a shepard that had chemo and she loved going. She use to drag me down the hall to get there. I found out they were giving her massages during chemo. She did great and lived a little over a year.
Brownie was on the diet "feed the dog Starve the cancer" but do to being a mature guy he doesn't digest it well anymore, but he is on high protein. I use the supplement by K9 immunity . It keeps their immune system strong. And most of all lots and lots and lots of LOVE!
We will be thinking of AVA on Friday and sending prayers your way. Don't forget your chocolate, it really helps!
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
I suggest you read the book "Be More Dog ". You will learn about the incredible Jerry and how he touched so many life's. After learning Jerry's story I started thinking of this journey in a positive way. Instead of what might happen, I thought what could happen. No more feeling sorry for Brownie or myself. Just learned to take it day by day.......
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
brownie1201 said
I suggest you read the book "Be More Dog ".
You made our day, thank you so much for sharing how it helped you and Brownie. Jerry is so proud! 
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
happydaze said
I've been doing the same Brownie, as well as looking at worst outcomes, not to be negative but just because I think if I'm prepared then hopefully nothing can catch me out.
That is not a bad idea at all. Prepare for the worst but hope for the best is what we like to say around here. You're doing great!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks Brownie for all the advice, it's really helping. Avas case sounds so similar in that I've also been told it could possibly only be 3 months after the amputation without chemo so I'm undecided what we'll do about it yet. I think just get tomorrow out the way first and then I can think about that.
I actually downloaded Be More Dog onto my kindle a couple of nights ago, Jerrys earlier comment about how Ava has lots to teach me really struck a chord with some things I've been going through personally recently and made me think that maybe as hard as it all is that we're supposed to go through this together. Certainly seeing how we both coped this weekend, me a crying mess for most of it and her loving all the extra fuss and treats, has made me think about things differently already. I'm trying to enjoy the little moments more rather than getting consumed in worries about what's to come. She's here with me now and I need to enjoy that rather than worrying about when she's not going to be.
You have had wonderful advise and input from fantastic sources, so I just want to wish you good luck tomorrow. Hang in there and stay tuned in. Recovery can be a bit of a rollercoaster, but you have some pawsome people here to help you along the way.
Hugs,
Jackie and Huckleberry 
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
Good for you! You got it! I do believe everything happens for a reason. The good and the bad, and one day we will have our answers. Brownie and I have always had a special bond, just like you and Ava, but this journey has even made that bond stronger which I never thought was possible.
Tomorrow is the big day, and if you are like me you are scared. All I can suggest if possible make this day about you and Ava. I called in sick and took Brownie to the park, gave him whatever he wanted. Of course with all the guilt treats he gained 7 lbs so after surgery it was diet time. Lol
Brownie and I will be thinking about the two of you, and once you see that bum leg gone you will know you made the right decision. Stay positive!
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
Thinking of you as the time draws near...we were also scared to death. Another thing we learned, was that dogs feed off our emotions, so when I needed to cry (which was a lot at the beginning) I would go outside away from Nitro. As hard as it is, be upbeat and positive in their presence. And as for being given the timeline of maybe 3 months....remember that statistics are just numbers. I was focused on them when we found out about the cancer, but Admin Guy reminded me that its not QUANTITY of time, but QUALITY. Of course we want our best friends to be with us as long as possible.
We did do chemo, for us it was the right decision. My first Dobe had lymphoma (20 years ago), and also went thru it, so I knew its (usually) easier on dogs than humans. As I said before, Nitro lived a glorious 3+ years after the amp, and his cancer never did return - in the end it was kidney failure that took him from us. We were told he'd make it maybe 6 months to a year if we did chemo - he showed them!
Cancer sucks! No doubt about that, but the journey we took with him was an amazing one, one that changed my life forever. Good luck, Warrior Angel Nitro is sending all his positive vibes to Ava from heaven!
Paula
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
happydaze said
I actually downloaded Be More Dog onto my kindle a couple of nights ago, Jerrys earlier comment about how Ava has lots to teach me really struck a chord with some things I've been going through personally recently and made me think that maybe as hard as it all is that we're supposed to go through this together.
Oh wow thank you. I hope you enjoy it and find comfort in the story.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you all for your kind words, it's so helpful. I'm feeling really sick this evening, I took her out earlier for her last 4 legged walk and she was running round with my son and they were both so happy, as scared as I am about tomorrow it gave me a lot more confidence in my decision to do it, she's just so full of life so I'm hoping her body has as much life left in it as her soul does and she'll breeze through all this tomorrow.
Brownie you're right, Ava and I have always had a really close bond, she's helped me through so much in the time we've had together and she always knows how I'm feeling. I know as you've said Paula I need try and be as strong as I can for her tomorrow and the days after it, she's so sensitive to how I'm feeling. I think once I know she's safe and woken up I'll feel better, all the rest we can manage between us.
I'll let you all know how it goes tomorrow, thank you again for all the support it has honestly helped me so much.
Just letting you know we are thinking about you and Ava. My bathroom has a revolving door, because that is where in to to cry or just to get my anger out. I don't want my dogs to see me like that. But you know afterwards I feel so much better! Sometimes you just got to let it out!
Please let us know how Ava and you are doing after surgery. We are thinking about you and Ava.
Just remember Be More Dog , and when you see her don't pay attention to the amputation site. Just smile, look into her eyes, and let her know how happy you are to see her....
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
Its the big day! Just thinking about the two of you. Please update us when you can.
My Beautiful Beloved Brownie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 26, 2019. With all odds against him he lived an additional one year and eight days with amputation, love, and prayer. I was honored to be his mom, and I have never been so proud! He will live forever in my Heart!
04/01/2007 - 03/05/2020
"March Saint"
good luck! pawsitive thoughts coming your way!
Paula and Warrior Angel Nitro
Nitro 11 1/2 yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms. Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"
"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior
I've just had a call and it's all done, the vet said it went well and that she's recovering now. She said almost as soon as the leg came off all her vital signs stabilised and she needed less support so she was obviously in a lot more pain than she was letting on.
I feel so relieved. She needs to stay in tonight but they've said to phone again in a few hours for an update when she's had chance to wake up a bit more. They did say I could go and visit this evening but as desperate as I am to see her I'm not going to, leaving her this morning was hard enough and I think it'll just cause her more stress when I have to leave again.
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